The best things to do and see in France

France has a great variety of landscapes, between coasts, valleys, countryside and mountains. Not sure what to visit first? This selection of the best things to see and do in France will help you plan your stay. Here are 15 of the best rated attractions in France. If you are wondering how many days to spend in France, don’t hesitate to plan for three weeks, in order to enjoy every step.

Paris, the City of Light

The capital concentrates the best rated attractions in France. To name but a few, you can admire the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre, take a cruise on the Seine, stroll through the streets of the Marais and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district… This historical and cultural city is also the ideal place to go out, to taste the gastronomy and to shop. Romantic, it will make you live magical moments in love. But it is also full of activities for families. Plan at least five days of visit to pierce the secrets of the Parisian life.

The Palace of Versailles and its gardens

Take advantage of your stay in Paris to go and admire the Palace of Versailles. Plan a day trip, as there is so much to discover. Modest hunting lodge, the domain of Versailles was extended by King Louis XIV. He entrusted the work to Louis Le Vau, and then to Hardouin-Mansart, who created the famous Hall of Mirrors. The castle has 2,300 rooms, including the apartments of the king and queen. Continue the visit through the gardens of Le Nôtre, with their grandiose perspective and superb fountains and groves. Finish with the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet.

The cliffs of Étretat

Not far from Paris are the chalky cliffs of Étretat, in Haute-Normandie. Their wild and austere beauty has inspired great writers such as Maupassant or Maurice Leblanc, in his series of adventures of Arsène Lupin. You will be amazed by the verticality of these imposing white cliffs. The Downstream Gate is impressive with its eroded arch and its 51 m high needle. Continue the walk towards the Manneporte, another large arch open to the sea. On the other side, at the top of the cliff of Amont, you will have a magnificent panorama on the bay.

Mount Saint-Michel

This medieval abbey located at the top of a rocky islet in the middle of the sea expresses all the strength of nature. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortified walls house an XIᵉ century village, where you will find small shops and the famous Mother Poulard Inn. This historic address serves delicious puffed omelets and sells excellent butter cookies. All around the Mount lies the bay, with beautiful beaches and meadows where cows and sheep frolic. The coastline is ideal for hiking and biking.

Saint-Malo : the corsair city

A few kilometers from Mont-Saint-Michel, the city of Saint-Malo is a superb seaside resort. All fortified with ramparts, it looks like a stone ship defending the mouth of the Rance. Saint-Malo has a long maritime history. It is from here that Jacques Cartier left for Canada. The privateers Duguay-Trouin and Surcouf also contributed to its fame. The walk on the ramparts is a must. Cross the Rance to see the small resort of Dinard and its pretty beach of l’Écluse.

The castles of the Loire Valley

Then go down to the Loire River and its castles, jewels of the Renaissance. The castle of Chenonceau is the most appreciated and the most visited. It was renamed the Château des Dames for having housed Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers. You will fall under the charm of its gardens, its original architecture, raised above the Cher and its elegant decoration. The Chambord castle, a symbol of the power of Francis Iᵉʳ, is all about excess. Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, the castle also has the largest enclosed park in Europe, where you may come across a few deer.

The dune of Pilat and the basin of Arcachon

This dune, with its 102 meters high, is the highest in Europe. This natural and protected site, located at the entrance of the Arcachon basin, is remarkable. This long dune offers a surprising contrast between the sea and the forest. Continue this escapade on the Aquitaine coastline to cross the Arcachon basin, to admire the island of birds and the fishermen’s houses on stilts. You can taste delicious oysters in Cap Ferret and cannelés from Bordeaux, small cakes with a caramelized crust, flavored with rum and vanilla.

Rocamadour, beautiful medieval city

If you continue on your way to the Mediterranean, you can stop at Rocamadour. This medieval city of the Lot has been elected as one of the most beautiful villages of France. You will be amazed by this vertical and majestic site. Its castle is clinging to the top of a cliff. A stopover on the Compostela pilgrimage route, many Christian pilgrims go there to admire the famous Black Madonna in the sanctuary perched on top of the rock. The village is beautiful and you will enjoy strolling through its cobblestone streets.

The Pont du Gard, a Gallo-Roman monument

This ancient monument is the most visited site in France. This bridge-aqueduct was built by the Romans in the first century of our era. With a height of 49 m and length of 275 m, it is exceptional by its dimensions. It is especially its excellent state of conservation that is remarkable! It is the only ancient three-story bridge still standing. It supplied water to the city of Nîmes, where you can admire other Roman remains such as the arena or the Maison Carrée.

Horseback riding in the Camargue

This natural and wild region is located on the Rhone delta near the Mediterranean Sea. On its roads you will come across white horses with blond hair and bulls accompanied by the herdsmen in farms with a Western look. One of the best ways to visit the marshes and seaside ponds is on horseback. On your way, you will meet colonies of pink flamingos, which stay here in search of their favorite food: shrimp. You will surely fall in love with the beautiful Camargue.

Marseille and its creeks

Then go to discover the cosmopolitan city of Marseille to stroll through the markets and the old port. The lively Panier district is ideal for a gastronomic break, then visit the Mucem, a museum dedicated to the Mediterranean. Climb to the top of the Garde hill to see the basilica and embrace a 360° view of Marseille and the sea. You can then hike and swim in the Calanques National Park. Go well equipped to enjoy the wild landscapes and the turquoise water: take water, good shoes and protect yourself from the sun!

Corsica and the cliffs of Bonifacio

From Marseille, you can fly to Figari airport, in the south of Corsica. If you prefer to go by boat, you will have to take the ferry in Toulon. Corsica offers splendid wild landscapes between sea and mountains. The beach of Palombaggia, next to Porto Vecchio, is splendid with its transparent waters and white sand. In Bonifacio, the cliffs are breathtaking. It is advisable to take a boat trip to admire them from the sea.

Water sports in the Gorges du Verdon

Back in Provence, the Gorges du Verdon offer you a pleasant stay and a breathtaking view. They are part of the most beautiful French landscapes. A large canyon opens up in a spectacular way on the Verdon river, whose water is of a beautiful emerald color. Here, sportsmen and nature lovers will be delighted. Many water sports are available: sailing, kayaking, rafting, water skiing… This stage will be unforgettable.

Annecy, between lake and mountains

Nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps” because of its canals, Annecy promises you a good breath of fresh air. The city is a true haven of peace. You will enjoy discovering its historic downtown and its castle and walking along the lake. The pace of life is modern and lively. You can enjoy water sports and hiking in the mountains. In winter, the ski resorts are not far! You will find an ideal life in the open air, and will enjoy the generous Savoyard cuisine.

Strasbourg, European metropolis

Home to the European Parliament, Strasbourg is one of the best cities to visit in France. Student, European and dynamic, this city has a culture and architecture with German and French influences. In the city center, visit the gothic cathedral. Every day at 12:30, you can admire the show of the automatons of its astronomical clock. From the top of the bell tower you have a panoramic view of the Rhine. Then wander through the Petite France district, admiring the half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets along the waterfront.

Did you like this little tour of France? Now it’s your turn to plan your itinerary of the best things to do in France.